Making the Grade in School

tNBC presents

March 14, 2001

Tips and tricks to succeed, and still have fun in school. So, are you making the grade in school? If not, then learn the tricks! Read our chat with t-Talk about classes, studying, homework--how to make the grade, and still enjoy school.

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TNBC: Welcome to t-Talk, tNBC's chat room. tNBC and NBCi provide this service as entertainment for their users. The individuals providing information and advice are not professional counselors, and the opinions and advice given do not necessarily reflect the views of tNBC and NBCi. BORING BUT NECESSARY INFORMATION. You agree not to use offensive language or personally attack any other participants or third parties. You are solely responsible for all of your communications, and you agree not to violate or infringe upon the rights of others. NBCi and Talk City reserve the right, but are not obligated, to edit or delete any information deemed to violate these ground rules. NBCi and Talk City reserve the right to suspend access to anyone who violates these rules. NBCi and Talk City also reserve the right to republish, disseminate, and broadcast any materials posted. t-Talk, we have some great questions about "Making the Grade" today! Let's get to them!

Hop 2 Dieter: Have any helpful hints on taking multiple-choice tests?

T-Talk: When in doubt, e) none of the above! (laughing) Unfortunately, there are no secrets when it comes to multiple-choice tests. The helpful hint would be to study real hard, and know a little bit on everything that's covered in class. When it comes to the Scan-Tron tests, there's no systematic way. I do know that it's always best to fill in something, rather than leave it blank, because a lot of them are time sensitive, and it may help your grade that way. There's no way to master it, but to know what is being taught.

Angel Baby: I think the best way to study for tests is to make flash cards.

T-Talk: I think you're right with those, because a lot of what is covered on tests is memorization. Sometimes, you have to remember a lot of things, so flash cards are good exercises for memorization skills. Just one interjection--if you're going to use flash cards, make sure when you're memorizing them that you mix them up each time, so that you don't get into the habit of memorizing them in order.

Cubby: What's your opinion on the kids who skip class, show up on test day, and ace the tests?

T-Talk: They're the ones you need to sit next to. (laughing) Well, some students have that gift where they can retain things better and faster than others, and magically do well on tests. As far as them skipping, that's something that will catch up with them. Probably, a good thing to do is not to worry too much about them and what grades they get, as long as you're applying yourself, and make sure you get the best grades you can possibly get.

Im A Snowflake: I want to know how to get good grades, and how to research things.

T-Talk: Well, if you're on the chat now, you probably have the Internet. That's the best way to research things. The quickest and fastest way to learn, other than the library, is that all the information is available to you. There's no excuse for anybody not to have the information that's needed for their schoolwork if they have an Internet connection. I'm glad you're wondering how to research things. The best way to research things, I think, also, is to make sure you know exactly what topic you're covering, and find out every little bit about that topic. Highlight the things that are interesting, or are what is requested from your teacher, but all that information is very handy. If you don't have the Internet, or are limited in time, the library does, as well, or you can do it the old-fashioned way--there are things called encyclopedias. (smile)

Cup O Butter: Why do my parents want me to be the best? Aren't B's and C's good enough?

T-Talk: Do you think B's and C's are good enough for you? Are you okay with average grades? I don't think that if you get B's and C's you're necessarily an average student. When you do get A's, that shows how much you apply yourself, and I think what a lot of you guys need to do is apply yourself a little more. It's so easy to turn on the TV, chat in the chat rooms, or hang out with your friends. There are several ways to get information, but I think a lot of it is up to you guys in how you do it, and where you want your grades to take you. Your parents may seem like they're getting on you a lot, that they want you to get A's, but those A's represent the type of work that you do. So if you're getting an F, then, obviously, you're not trying very hard.

Second Best: My parents give presents as rewards for good grades, and my sister seems to get lots. Why can't my parents reward me for doing well at my own level?

T-Talk: I think if your sister is getting all A's, the more A's, the more gifts, if that is their reward system. If you are getting a couple A's, B's, and C's, then you wouldn't get the same reward as your sister, who's getting more. It's obviously not fair, but they're rewarding you with what you're showing them. I don't think it's a personal thing between you and your sister. She may be applying herself more, because she wants those rewards. If you want those rewards, you have to work for them. I think it's good that your parents are giving you something to work for and earn. Everyone needs incentive to do a good job with anything. Just think about how much you want the reward, and then apply yourself.

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